Universal Shipping (player faction)

This is a player faction. For the affiliated NPC faction, see Universal Shipping

Universal Shipping Incorporated
Origin	Liberty
Affiliation	Universal Shipping
Alignment	Lawful/Corporation
Recruitment	http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=119863
Profile
Date of founding	150 A.S.
Founder(s)	Erik T. Demoses and Michael Trenton
Current leader(s)	Charles.Bell; James.Miller
Base of operations	Trenton Outpost, New York
Primary role
Shipping high-risk, high-value cargo
Secondary role
Assisting Liberty and her citizens

Overview

Goals & Rules

Goals

• Help the citizens of Liberty and her economy.
• Clean up Liberty's tarnished reputation.
• Promote good-will and respect throughout Sirius.
• Strive to become the best trading corporation in Sirius.
• Support Liberty and her allies in times of war, and ship needed commodities to the frontlines.
• Acquire alliances with other companies and independent pilots.
• Grow in numbers and establish more bases.

Rules

Trenton Outpost Rules

• Any vessels wishing to dock on Trenton Outpost are welcome to, unless they are carrying contraband or if they wish to pick up Gate/Lane parts.
• If asked to stop an action around the perimeter of Trenton Outpost, that vessel must stop or leave the area.
• No pilot may disrespect any of our employees or Trenton Outpost.
• No pilots may threaten, harm, or injure any of our employees, vessels, or Trenton Outpost.
• Any vessel that is a known hostile to Universal Shipping Inc. is to identify themselves and state their reasons why they are there. Failure to do so could end in a security *team being launched and the vessel being destroyed.
• Our Zone is a 10k radius of Trenton Outpost; any vessel may be outside that zone.

General Rules

• Always be true to Liberty and her allies. Never, under any circumstances turn against the Liberty officials; always obey the laws in other systems.
• Once in the corporation, always in the corporation. Expect to be hunted if you sell out any of the secrets of Universal Shipping Incorporated or leave without paying your debts.
• No dealing with unlawful organizations. We are not a smuggling corporation so if you are caught with contraband expect to be fired.
• Respect the authorities and those at other houses. Usually we are merely guests in another system, so make sure to show the proper respect.
• Be honest. This entire corporation is based on honesty and we expect you to show integrity.
• Respect your superiors at all times.
• //You cannot create more than one USI character until you are promoted.
• //Before you can be promoted from Employee or Security Officer, you must submit a character biography.
• //In order to join, you need a valid real-life contact point. For example: E-mail, Steam, Skype, or Forum ID. In fact we prefer you to have a Forum ID and a Skype account (both are free).
• //Follow the server rules. You may be sanctioned by USI as well.

Convoy Rules

• You must stay in your designated position in line.
• Respect; absolutely no back-handed compliments, vulgar language, harassment, or 'put-downs' are accepted; We encourage the words: "sir", "ma'am", "gentlemen", "ladies".
• No 'testing weapons' on members (or anyone else for that matter)
• Leaders must state what to buy next and where, ahead of time.
• You must pay the required fees after your convoy has reached its final destination.
• Listen to your superiors and scouts, they know what's best for the convoy.

History

The Beginning

Before trade lanes and the new age technology of jump gates, there was hard work and the original space transportation company, Universal Shipping.

They were pioneers who spent time and resources moving materials the old fashioned way, by cruise travel, from one system to another. Originally moving silver from California to Colorado in order to terraform Los Angeles, Universal Shipping earned their place as a vital part of the Libertonian society. However, as time progressed transportation became easier. Ageira Technologies and Deep Space Engineering grew in power as their technologies allowed ships to travel above and beyond what was thought possible.

Good news for humanity as a whole, bad news for the once all powerful Universal Shipping. As trade slowed down and commodity prices were lowered, the industrious workers and miners of Colorado were laid off and eventually pushed into a small mined out asteroid field. Once employees to Universal Shipping, these disgruntled blue-collars turned rogue and took on the name of Xenos. Even after becoming outlaws the previously employed miners decided not to attack their employers, in exchange of course for the occasional donation of credits.

Age of Discovery

In 181 A.S. Universal Shipping finally secured a foothold in modern Libertonian society. A contract was made between Ageira Technologies and Deep Space Engineering that allowed Universal to move cargo between their bases. This enabled the company to once again rise in power as the number one transportation company in Liberty. This, however, was a short lived prosperity.

After the age of Discovery, new groups came to dominate Universal Shipping's sector of the market. Both Ageira and Deep Space Engineering started up their own shipping branches and independent trading companies emerged; One being the Independent Neuralnet Division, who took over as the leading haulage group. And after the group known as the Kings of Freight was contracted, the mainstream workers of Universal experienced a lack of livelihood and many decided to join the Xenos and wage war against the upper-class and foreigners.

This went on until two major events took place. One was that the tensions between Liberty and Rheinland mounted until they were pressed into war. The second was that the Kings of Freight broke their major contract with Universal Shipping and set-up their own base in the system of Minnesota. A new market for military supplies sprang up, and two men saw this opportunity and struck with all the force they could muster.

Erik T. Demoses and Michael Trenton had not known each other long, but they became instant business partners. Both had been Universal Shipping employees, and both had risen through the ranks at tremendous speed.

Erik was a master of manipulation and a true patriot to the Liberty sector. He could charm even the hardest business man into selling his contract for a fraction of its real worth. However, his belief in honor was unquestionable and his word was true. Now as president of Universal Shipping he seeks to once again raise the main branch back into its period of prosperity. Little is known about where he came from.

Michael Trenton comes from a quarreled family, his mother's side are Xeno's and his father's side are all Universal traders. When he was a young pilot, he left Universal and his father, to live with his mother on Ouray Base. He was trained to be a fighter pilot there, and was promoted to a 'Royal' in the Xenos ranks. However, even though he wanted to be loyal to his family, he just didn't have the same moral values as them.

He was allowed to leave the Xeno Alliance, without any hindrance thanks to his mother. After he was accepted back into Universal Shipping (player faction), he made a lot of changes to the company. He trained the escort pilots, some say better than Liberty's finest.

He showed the employees new and safer routes. Then after his father passed away he met Erik T. Demoses.

The New Era for Universal Shipping, Inc.

The year is now 817 A.S., exactly one year after Universal Shipping underwent its change in management. As a result of fresh leadership, bright new ideas have broken through the rusted mold that was once Universal. Both the Department of Trade, and the Department of Security have been renovated to be as effective as possible in current times. These renovations have led to new positions of leadership, which are being filled by Liberty's finest.

Aside from this miniature renaissance, Universal has formed many new contracts with groups and individual pilots throughout Liberty. However, the most major of these contracts is the one that is closest to Liberty. The organization of a military supply route between the Liberty Navy and Universal Shipping may lead to victory in the war against Rheinland. With a constant surplus of new ships and vehicles, as well as various other commodities, sent directly to the front lines of the war, the forces of Rheinland cannot hope to last for long against the full might of Liberty and her people.

Besides reinforcing Liberty's own forces, Universal has decided to expand outwards and claim new areas of trade that have previously been undiscovered. With the prospect of new alliances at hand, Universal is bringing as much business to the outer sectors as possible while maintaining Liberty. Hopefully, with the aid of new resources from the outlying colonies, Liberty will be able to crush Rheinland.

The Recovery of 817 A.S.

In late 817 A.S., President Erik T. Demoses was kidnapped by a group of Lane Hackers. The Chief Security Officer, Jeffrey Adams, put the Vice President, Michael Trenton, into protective custody. After, Mr. Adams stepped down from his position and decided to deal with his past. He attempted to find his long-lost sweetheart who was previously kidnapped by unknown slavers and possibly find the whereabouts of Mr. Demoses. With Mr. Demoses, Mr. Trenton and Mr. Adams not available, the former manager Denny Crane took over as the President of Universal Shipping. He appointed Jack Hammerson as the new Chief Security Officer and waited for Mr. Trenton to be released from protective custody to resume his position as Vice President. Now with a new leader of USI, a 'clean-up' was initiated and more recruits for Universal were hired. Most of the current employees were promoted and just a few were laid off. New contracts, training and plans for more bases were found and established. Although Universal was dealt a hard blow when Mr. Demoses was abducted, the recovery was a success and the corporation is now stronger than ever.

The Descent and Rebirth

Recently, USI has gone through several changes of leadership. Araevin Teshurr was a major President of Universal Shipping Incorporated. His Vice President was Jason Sawyer, who ended up being a corrupt individual, arranged to have Araevin kidnapped and Jason took his place as President. Eventually, Jason was killed, and Araevin took back his place as President. Harvey Davidson became the new Vice President, but then resigned after a few months. Since then, the corporation slowly started to fall apart. Many changes in leadership, power struggles, and many employees have left or decided to no longer show up. Now a Board of Directors has taken the place of leadership. Denny Crane is now currently the Chairmain of the Board and is now attempting to rebuild USI towards its former glory.

Departments & Ranks

When joining the USI, new employees are placed in one of the company's 2 departments:

Department of Trade

The department of trade is the main source of income for the corporation. This department is responsible for maintaining a fleet of large transports and trains as well as researching, documenting, and executing profitable trade routes. Transports in the department of trade pay a percentage of their convoy profits to fund the other departments in the company. Over the years, the Department Of Trade has changed, from having a new official head being put it, to the continuous company - company relations. Though Universal tries to do business with every house apart from Rheinland, the Department of Trade found itself doing business with Bretonia more than Kusari. Though it's never been official, Universal finds Kusari a dangerous and complicated house, with the constant piracy from the Hogosha and Kusari Naval Forces, unwillingly to help Universal transports in the time of need. The Department of Trade finds Bretonia a lot safer, but a house doesn't come without their enemies, like the Mollys.

DOT Rank Structure

Chief Logistics Officer - The Chief Logistics Officer leads the Department of Trading ("DoT"). He organizes events, missions and convoys for the employees. He shares third in command with the Chief of Security (Second in Command if there is no Vice Chairman); the CLO oversees all traders within the DoT; he has the authority to promote, demote, hire, fire, or sanction members within the DoT.

Tag: [*USI*]Boise[CLO]

Supervisor - Supervisor is a promotion from Employee, Supervisors are in charge if higher ranking members are not available; he has access to most trading routes; he can create convoys; he may nominate members in the Department of Trade for promotion. Supervisors are more involved in the personal issues with each employee or trainee, they will assists where they can, or report it to a High ranking member. Supervisors are the main teachers of the Department of Trade, they should give advice, and ensure a Trainee / Employee is ready before promotion.

Tag: [*USI*]Nashville[S]

Employee - An employee is a Trader for [*USI*] they are most important, they make sure [*USI*] and Liberty functions properly by supplying Liberty and friends commodities, and [*USI*] credits; Employees also have access to basic routes.

Tag: [*USI*]Kenai[E]

Trainee - A trainee is a new member of [*USI*]. They will need to show initiative to be promoted.

Tag: [*USI*]Albany[T]

Department of Security

The Department of Security's primary focus is escorting USI transports. These fighter and bomber pilots accompany the vulnerable traders on their routes to ensure safe passage. After a successfully completed trade route, the transports will pay the escort pilots a small escorting fee. The USI boasts one of the most professional escorting services in all of Sirius.

The Department of Security has a number of secondary responsibilities including:

• Defense of Universal Shipping bases.
• Patrolling Liberty Trade Lanes for pirates.
• Escorting friendly traders and high value cargo.
• Assisting Liberty Navy and Liberty Police ships when requested.

DoS Rank Structure

Chief Security Officer - The Chief Security Officer is the highest rank to be obtained in the DoS. The Chief Security Officer is allowed to create random patrols in Liberty (He/she can create a 'convoy' in CMU for this.). He/she is also responsible for creating training exercises and advanced training. He/she works closely with the recruit trainers and teaches them the correct way to train. He/she works with members of the SSO for missions and special operations. He/she is allowed to assist our allies from Hostiles (Except Xenos). He/she may assign missions to our escorts, and is allowed to provide members of other factions or independent traders with an escort service (he/she will assign [*USI*] escorts to them). He/she is allowed to assist the LN in the war against Rheinland if he/she is requested. The CSO may not fulfill bounty contracts, although he/she may attack Pirate(s)/Terrorist(s) (Except for Xenos) in Liberty systems and/or systems where a Universal base is. A Chief Security Officer is elected by his or her peers or appointed by a superior. He or she also has access to the armories with a budget of 50,000,000 credits. When elected to this position, you will receive a Democritus Luxury Yacht or equivalent in credits as a bonus.

Tag: [*USI*]T.Cromwell[CSO]

Deputy Commander - The Deputy Commander reports directly to the CSO. The Deputy Commander is allowed to create random patrols in Liberty (He/she can create a 'convoy' in CMU for this.). He/she can also help with creating training exercises and advanced training. He/she works closely with the recruit trainers and the CSO. He/she works with members of the SSO for missions and special operations. He/she is allowed to assist our allies from Hostiles (Except Xenos). He/she may assign missions to our escorts, and is allowed to provide members of other factions or independent traders with an escort service (he/she will assign [*USI*] escorts to them). He/she is allowed to assist the LN in the war against Rheinland if he/she is requested. The Deputy Commander may not fulfill bounty contracts, although he/she may attack Pirate(s)/Terrorist(s) (Except for Xenos) in Liberty systems and/or systems where a Universal base is. A Deputy Commander is appointed by the CSO. He or she also has access to the armories.

Tag: [*USI*]T.Cromwell[DC]

Patrol Leader - Patrol Leaders are [*USI*]'s best fighters; they are allowed to assist our allies from Hostiles (Except Xenos); Patrol Leaders report to the CSO / Deputy Commander. They may form wings for esort duetys and as layed out below. They may escort for other traders (friendlies only) if not needed by [*USI*]; They are allowed to assist LN in the war against Rheinland if they are requested; They may not complete bounty contracts, although they may attack Pirate(s)/Terrorist(s) (Except Xenos) in Liberty systems and/or systems where a Universal base is. When promoted to this position, you will receive 20,000,000 credits as a bonus.

Tag: [*USI*]T.Cromwell[PL]

Security Officer - Security Officers are [*USI*]'s main escorts; They cannot assist LN in the war against Rheinland (Unless Rheinlanders invade Liberty Space); they can assist our allies against Hostiles (Except Xenos); They may escort for other traders (friendlies only) if not needed by [*USI*]; They may not complete bounty contracts, although they may attack Pirate(s)/Terrorist(s) (Except Xenos) in Liberty systems and/or systems where a Universal base is. When promoted to this position, you will receive 8,000,000 credits as a bonus.

Tag: [*USI*]T.Cromwell[SO]

Cadet - Cadets are new escorts just completing the recruit process; They cannot assist LN in the war against Rheinland (Unless Rheinlanders invade Liberty Space); they can assist our allies against Hostiles (Except Xenos); They may escort for other traders (friendlies only) if not needed by [*USI*]; They may not complete bounty contracts, although they may attack Pirate(s)/Terrorist(s) (Except Xenos) in Liberty systems and/or systems where a Universal base is. When promoted to this position, you will receive 4,000,000 credits as a bonus.

Tag: [*USI*]T.Cromwell[CA]

Areas of Operation

The Republic of Liberty

Liberty is our home, yet we are accepted in all major systems, as well. At this point in time the only systems in Liberty that we are not permitted to enter are Ellesmere, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Virginia, and an unknown system that does not exist. However, we are still called by our Authorities to enter these systems.

As the main exporting and importing company in Liberty, we ship most commodities and equipment needed by other corporations such as, but not limited to: Deep Space Engineering, Liberty Police Incorporated, Interspace Commerce, and Orbital Spa & Cruise. Our main shipping contract within Liberty is with the Liberty Navy, as we are their main suppliers for all Military commodities, equipment, rations, and other goods.

License (transmission #107): Unlimited use of Liberator & Executioner crafts, 4 Guardians, 2 Avengers and 1 decommissioned Liberty Gunboat for training purposes.

Kingdom of Bretonia

Since we consider Bretonia a sister to Liberty, and because they are at war with Kusari, we feel the need to assist them in any way possible. By contract, we are allowed to travel through most of the Bretonian systems. In fact, the only systems that we are not permitted to enter are Salisbury, Londonderry, and Poole - unless granted access by the system owners. Though we are neutral with Kusari, we are aware of the trade embargos that both Bretonia and Kusari have set between themselves. We will not take any lanes to Stokes Mining Station in the Leeds System.

U.S.I. is considered to be a powerful allied-corporation to Bretonia. Like Border Worlds Exports, Universal will assist the local police or military whenever needed; meaning we supply the Bretonia Armed Forces with Military commodities, like Light Arms and Military Vehicles. Some of our traders have been made famous for saving the lives of V.I.P's and War-veterans in the area. Our traders have also moved refugees from Leeds to New London to give them hope and a better life. And because of the growing relationship between ourselves and Bretonia Mining and Minerals, we are now considered their main haulers of Gold and Gold Ore.

Republic of Kusari

This section of Sirius can be ghost-like at times yet can turn deadly without warning. We are merely business associates in this area when you are passing through act appropriately; even if the people there are not treating you the same way. Due to our current relationship with the corporations in Kusari, we are granted to travel through the main systems. Although, some systems like Tottori, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima, are ones that we are not allowed to enter.

Sadly, most Kusarians see Universal as a selfish, credit-driven, Liberty corporation; they don't see the helpful and friendly family that we have today. They believe we are the cause of their strife and that we have somehow hurt their economy. If only they could see that we wish for their economy to grow. Currently, because of the newly-established embargo, Universal shipments in Kusari have been decreased.

Nevertheless, our relationships with the corporations within Kusari are still under development. We hold temporary contracts when available, but we have no major or official contracts yet.

Federal Republic of Rheinland

Rheinland is a sector that we do not enter, unless given a direct order by a higher authority. However, we are allowed to travel to as close as the border worlds in between Liberty and Rheinland. The only purpose to travel to those worlds would be to supply and repair the Navy vessels stationed there.

Universal Shipping is strongly disliked in Rheinland. We represent the growing infrastructure of Liberty and we are very successful at shipping military equipment and commodities to any destination. Universal also donates credits to Liberty and her proud navy, which allows the Navy to train the best pilots and to have them fly the best ships. Because of this, we are willing and ready to aid our navy in combat if it comes to total war.

There are shipping corporations in Rheinland that we may meet during our assignments. As such, we should exercise extreme caution (despite our past relationship with Republican Shipping). The only Rheinland corporation that we are considered neutral with are the ALG Waste Disposal - We need them, and they need us... It's a healthy relationship.

Kingdom of Gallia

Gallia is located outside of Sirius, not many know the location. The major obstacle when negotiating in this mysterious place is actually the 'lawful' authorities. They blame the people of Sirius for abandoning them a long, long time ago during the settlement. Therefore, they don't appreciate Sirians trading or even entering in their space. Although, there is one group in Gallia that appreciate our presence. Their organization is called the "Republique de Gaule" and they represent the Council - An exiled community and government of Gallia.

Taus

The Taus sectors are also quite far from our home. In the northern sectors there is a large activity of the Outcasts, but sometimes Universal shipments enter them in order to deal with the local Independent Miners Guild. In the southern ones, the presence of the Kusari Naval Forces is very strong and since Tau-31 remains a war zone we try to avoid them.

Omegas

Most of the Omega Systems are under the control of large unlawful organisations. It is probably the most dangerous sector for our convoys to travel, therefore only the best and bravest pilots are assigned to these convoys. Furthermore, most of the times, the Universal shipments are sighted in Omega-49, Omega-50 supplying Gran Canaria or various other Zoner installations or Omega-3.

Omicrons

We don't go there. We hardly know anything about these systems. The sole exception is Omicron Theta, which is primarily used to pass from the sigmas to the omegas or the opposite. In this system a Zoner group called The Phoenix is sighted, but currently we don't have any contacts with them.

Bases Owned

• Trenton Outpost, New York (Liberty)

Bases Populated/Influenced

• California Minor, California (Liberty)
• Planet Los Angeles, California (Liberty)
• Ouray Base, Colorado (Liberty)
• Duluth Shipyard, Minnesota (Liberty)
• Saint Paul Base, Minnesota (Liberty)
• Fort Bush, New York (Liberty)
• Newark Station, New York (Liberty)
• Planet Manhattan, New York (Liberty)
• Planet Pittsburgh, New York (Liberty)
• Fort Severn, Ontario (Liberty)
• Toronto Station, Ontario (Liberty)
• Planet Houston, Texas (Liberty)
• Planet Curacao, Cortez (Independent)
• Falkland Base, Tau-37 (Edge Worlds)
• Graves Station, Dublin (Bretonia)
• LD-14, Leeds (Bretonia)
• Planet New London, New London (Bretonia)
• Waterloo Station, New London (Bretonia)
• Java Station, Tau-23 (Border Worlds)

Diplomacy

Faction	Relationship
Liberty Navy	Allied
Liberty Security Force	Allied
Liberty Police Incorporated	Allied
Deep Space Engineering	Allied
Ageira Technologies	Allied
Interspace Commerce	Allied
Other Liberty Corporations	Friendly
Ables Aces	Friendly
Kingdom of Bretonia	Friendly
Xeno Alliance	Friendly
The Council	Neutral
Kings of Freight	Neutral
Independent Neuralnet Division	Neutral
Everyone Else	Neutral
Colonial Republic	Unfriendly
Unlawfuls (General)	Unfriendly
Unlawfuls (Liberty)	At War
Kingdom of Gallia	At War
Federal Republic of Rheinland	At War

Important Links

USI Faction Official Dossier

USI Faction Recruitment Forum Page (New Recruits Read This First!)

USI Member Files

USI Private Forum

USI Convoy Management Utility

USI Public Feedback